Who reads comic books? Once viewed as the cultural domain of pre-pubescent boys, superheroes have entered the mainstream. Via new comic book titles, graphic novels, blockbuster films and prominent cultural iconography (many professional athletes display their Superman logo tattoos). Using the sociological perspective, this course will focus on the analysis of the socio-cultural components inherent to comic books and their characters, via the broader U.S. culture, sub-cultures, and other sociological concepts.
The scholarship pertaining to comic books is sparse and scattered, we will use the Internet as a tool to find, collect, and create material. Most of all, this is a discussion class. Students are expected to do all of the reading and to come to class prepared to discuss the readings.
Super Powers Information
COURSE DESCRIPTIONWho reads comic books? Once viewed as the cultural domain of pre-pubescent
boys, superheroes have entered the mainstream. Via new comic book titles,
graphic novels, blockbuster films and prominent cultural iconography (many
professional athletes display their Superman logo tattoos). Using the
sociological perspective, this course will focus on the analysis of the
socio-cultural components inherent to comic books and their characters, via the
broader U.S. culture, sub-cultures, and other sociological concepts.
The scholarship pertaining to comic books is sparse and scattered, we will use
the Internet as a tool to find, collect, and create material. Most of all, this
is a discussion class. Students are expected to do all of the reading and to
come to class prepared to discuss the readings.